Barbed wire



Patented Feb. 13, 1951 BARBED WIRE Harold Swanson, Brownhelm Township, Lorain County, Ohio Application May 23, 1946, ScrialNo. 671,793

6 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in the construction and manufacture of barbed wire which is mostly used for farm fencing.

One object of this invention is to construct a barbed wire that has a single strand of wire with the barbs welded thereto at desired intervals.

A further object is to provide a barbed wire in which the barbs are welded to the single strand wire in a novel relation or position thereon.

A further object is to provide a single strand barbed wire which is constructed or made to weigh approximately the same weight per unit of length as the present double stranded twisted barbed wire.

A further object is to provide a single strand barbed wire which is manufactured with nearly one-half /2) of the wire drawing labor that is required for said double stranded type.

A further object is to provide a single strand barbed wire which is comparable weight for length to said double stranded type, and whose area of the main wire together With the welded on barbs reduces the surface exposed to atmospheric corrosion.

A further object is to provide a single strand barbed wire that drains and dries off quickly after a rainfall, in which there are no crevices or grooves where water is harbored by capillary or adhesive forces as now retained on said double stranded type.

A further object is to provide a single strand barbed wire having the minimum amount ofelectrolysis from thermal galvanic action by heat from the sun rays, in which the main wire and the barbs are unified and the heat distributes itself more evenly by conduction throughout its mass.

A further object is to provide a single strand barbed wire for fences in which the so called life span of the fence is increased, due to less electrolysis, reduced surface area for atmospheric corrosion, and no water harbored thereon to promote corroding or rusting of the wire.

A further object is to provide a single strand barbed wire in which the barbs are electric welded to the main wire by several methods but more particularly by the method described herein as percussive electric welding.

A further object is to provide a single strand barbed wire in which the percussive electric welding of the barbs to the main wire has a forging effect on the metal at the weld to produce greater strength.

A further object is to provide a single strand barbed wire in which the percussive electric welding of the barbs to the main wire is performed in even quicker time than the high speed mechanical parts of an automatic machine can function, to obtain high production in manufacturing.

A further object is to provide a single strand barbed wire in which the percussive electric welding of the barbs to the main wire is performed so quickly that the, so called patenting effect in the main wire at the weld only slightly changes, to retain the desired qualities in the wire. The patenting effect is a term used in wire drawing processes which. combines heat treatment and mechanical working of the metal to produce desired physical properties in the wire.

A. further object is" to provide a single strand barbed wire for fences in which the barbs do not slide along the main wire, as they do on said double stranded type, when stapled, nailed or fastened to a fence post when required to act as an anchor at the post.

Other objects of this invention will appear more fully described hereinafter with the drawings illustrating and forming a part thereof.

Figs. 1, 4, and Fig. 6 are elevational views, while Figs. 2, 5, and Fig. '7 are respectively their enlarged end views, of single strand barbed wires whose barbs are welded thereto in an off-set or eccentric position which is the common or generic feature of this group. It is obvious that this off-set type barb can be welded to the main wire with almost any desired spacing to make many more variations than those shown here.

Fig. 8 and Fig. 11 are elevational views, while Fig. 9 and Fig. 12 are respectively their enlarged end views, of single strand barbed wires whose barbs are welded thereto in a radial or nearly central position which is the common or generic feature of this group. Likewise it is obvious that this radial type barb can be welded to the main wire with almost any desired spacing to make many more variations than those shown here.

Figs. 3, 10, and Fig; 13 to Fig. 17 inclusive, are enlarged elevational views of the detail barbs which are usually called points in the commercial trade when referring to barbed wire.

Fig. 18 and Fig. 19 are diagrammatic views of the electrical circuits and the relative positions of the barbs to the single strand main wires during their percussive electric welding operations, which constitutes this method of manufacturing a single strand barbed wire.

In. Fig. l is shown an elevational view, and Fig. 2, an enlarged end view of-a single strand barbed wire of the single point style with points in line; having a main single strand steel wire I, and steel barbs 2 to 8 inclusive (see Fig. 3 for detail) each off-set from the center and percussive electric Welded to the main wire I at 9 in line and spaced at suitable intervals throughout the entire length.

In Fig. 3 is shown an enlarged elevational view of an individual barb from a single strand barbed wire; beinga short length of steel wire l0, having bias cut ends H and [2' approximately parallel to each other forming a point for one end of the barb while the other end is readily adapted to an off-set weld with the main single strand wire as shown at 9 in Fig. 2. The percussive electric welding operation forges the end of the barb Ill into the main wire I to eliminate the bias cut end I2 appearance at 9 in Fig. 2 and similarly in all other figures where this barb is shown.

In Fig. 4 is shown an elevational view, and Fig. 5, an enlarged end view of a single strand barbed wire of the single point style with points alternating by quadrants in four (4) lines; having a main single strand steel wire 34, and steel barbs 35 to M inclusive (see Fig. 3 for detail) each off-set from the center and percussive electric welded to the main wire 34 at 42 for one line, indexing onefourth A) circle at 43 for the second alternate line, indexing an additional one-fourth A) circle at 44 for the third alternate, indexing an additional one-fourth (M circle at 45 for the fourth alternate line, and spaced at suitable intervals throughout the entire length.

In Fig. 6 is shown an elevational view, and Fig. 7, an enlarged end view of a sin le Strand barbed wire of the three point style with points on third sectors in three (3) lines; having a main single strand steel wire I25, and steel barbs I26 to I31 inclusive (see Fig. 3 for detail) each off-set from the center and percussive electric welded to the main wire I at I38 for one line, indexing one-third /3) circle at I39 for the second line, indexing an additional one-third /3) circle at I40 for the third line, and spaced at suitable intervals throughout the entire length.

In Fig. 8 is shown an elevational view, and Fig. 9, an enlarged end view of a single strand barbed wire of the single point style with points in line; having a main single strand steel wire I99, and steel barbs 209 to 296 inclusive (See Fig. 10 for detail) each centered and percussive electric welded to the main wire I99 at 201 in line and spaced at suitable intervals throughout the entire length.

In Fig. 10 is shown an enlarged elevational view of an individual barb from a single strand barbed wire; being a short length of steel wire 208, having one end cut with chisel bevels 209 and 2I9 to form the point of the barb while the other end is cut into a V groove 2 I I with outward curled ends 2 I2 and 2 I3 which is readily adapted to centering and welding with the main single strand wire shown at 291 in Fig. 9. The curled ends 2I2 and M3 of the V groove 2II are natural forms that develope when chisel pointed cut-off tools out the bevels 299 and 2I6 on the adjoining barb as each is cut-off successively from wire. The p-1"cussive electric welding operation forges the end of the barb 298 into the main wire I99 to eliminate the V groove 2H and curled ends 2I2 and 2I'3 from appearing at 291 in Fig. 9 and similarly in all other figures where this barb is shown.

In Fig. 11 is shown an elevational view, and Fig. 12, an enlarged end view of a single strand barbed wire of the single point style with six (6) points in clusters alternating by sextants in six (6) lines; having a main single strand steel wire and steel barbs 214 to 291 inclusive (see Fig. 10 for detail) each centered and percussive electric welded to the main wire 213 at 298 for one line, indexing one-sixth circle at 299 for th secon'l alternate line, indexing an additional one 'sixta circle at 399 for the third alternate line, indcxin"; an additional one-sixth circle at 36I for the fourth alternate line, indexing an 4 additional one-sixth /6) circle at 302 for the fifth alternate line, indexing an additional onesixth circle at 303 for the sixth alternate line, and spaced at suitable intervals throughout the entire lcngth.

In Fig. 13 is shown an enlarged elevational view of an individual barb from a single strand barbed wire; being a short length of steel wire 4I5, having a chisel or wedge shaped end with faces 416 and M1, and a bias cut end MB.

In Fig. 14 is shown an enlarged elevational view of an individual barb from a single strand barbed wire; being a short length of steel wire 4I9, having a three (3) sided pyramid shaped end with faces 420 and HI toward the front while face 422 is to the rear, and a bias cut end 423.

In Fig. 15 is shown an enlarged elevational view of an individual barb from a single strand barbed wire; being a short length of steel wire 424, having a four (4) sided pyramid shaped end with side faces 425 and 426, front face 421 and rear face 429, and a bias cut end 429.

In Fig. 16 is shown an enlarged elevational view of an individual barb from a single strand barbed wire; being a short length of steel wire 430, having a cone point end 43I and a bias cut end 432.

In Fig. 17 is shown an enlarged elevational view of an individual barb from a single strand barbed wire; being a short length of steel wire 433, having a V grooved end with faces 434 and 435, and a bias cut end 436.

Fig. 13 to Fig. 17 inclusive show some of the variations of barbs which can be substituted for the barb in Fig. 3. In all figures the point ends of the barbs are up while the weld ends are shown down.

In Fig. 18 is shown a diagrammatic view of the electrical circuit and the relative position of a barb on a single strand barbed wire during its percussive electric welding operation; having the main electric supply lines 449 and 459 leading from the electric supply equipment of suitable welding capacity, which is usually direct current with a selector having a range of thirty (30) to sixty (60) volts to produce sufficient amperage for various sizes of welding rods; supply line 449 is connected to a ground 45I on the welding machine or equipment, thence through the machine or equipment to grounds 452 and 453; wire 454 leads from ground 452 to the copper electrode welding block or anvil 455 which is grooved out at 456 to guide and support the main wire 451 of the single strand barbed wire; wire 458 leads from ground 453 to the copper electrode clamping jaw 459 which is grooved out at 460 to hold the barb 46I of the single strand barbed wire; supply line 459 branches out into two (2) lines 462 and 463 each connecting to their respective copper electrode clamping jaws 464 and 465 holding their respective welding rods, wires, or electrodes 466 and 461. The diagram shows in full lines the forward or finished weld positions of jaws 459, 464 and 465, and barb 46I, while their respective rear positions are shown in broken lines. At the start of the welding machine or equipment operating cycle, the barb 46I and welding rods 466 and 461 are at their rear positions, then the cycle starts by advancing the barb 46I up close to the main wire 451 without touching it and stops or nearly stops as the welding rods 466 and 461 advance to strike electric arcs and produce localized welding heat on both the main wire 451 and the barb 46I, then by further advancing the barb 46I so rapidly that it produces a percussive and forging effect as it strikes the main wire 45! backed up by the anvil 455 to form a weld as the welding rods 469 and 461 are quickly returned to their rear positions.

In Fig. 19 is shown a diagrammatic View of the electrical circuit and the relative position of a barb On a single strand barbed wire during its percussive electric welding operation; having the main electric supply lines 468 and 469 leading from the electric supply equipment of suitable welding capacity, which is usually direct current with a selector having a range of two-hundred (2-00) to three-hundred (300) volts; supply line 468 is connected to a ground' l'lfl on the welding machine or equipment, thence through the machine or equipment to ground 41 I; wire 412 leads from ground 41! to the copper electrode welding block or anvil 413 which is grooved out at 414 to guide and support the main wire 415 of the single strand barbed wire; supply line 489 is connected to a suitable switch 416, shown as a push button type, with lead wire 411 extending therefrom to the adjustable resistance coil 418, thence by wires 419 and 480 to a suitable reactance coil 48!, thence by wire 482 to the copper electrode clamping jaw 483 which is grooved out at 484 to hold the barb 485 of the single strand barbed wire; shunting across wires 468 and 419 are wires 488 to 492 inclusive, each connected respectively to the oil cooled condensers 493 to 499 inclusive and their switches 589 to 588 inclusive. The diagram shows in full lines the forward or finished weld position of jaw 483 and barb 485 while their rear position is shown in broken lines. This type of percussive electric welding is accomplished by utilizing the electrostatic capacitance of a bank of heavy duty condensers 493 to 499 inclusive connected in parallel as shown, however an arrangement can be designed in which the condensers are connected in series or series parallel. In this diagram, to illustrate the connections, seven (7) condensers 495 to 499 inclusive are shown, however any number of condensers can be used whose total electrostatic capacitance in farads is ample to be continuously charged and discharged without excessive heating but with sufficient coulombs to weld barb 485 on the main wire 415. The switches 599 to 586 inclusive permit the machine operator toselect the proper number of condensers 493 to 499 inclusive in the circuit to weld without overheating or underheating the metal which developes a sort of flash or scintillation at the moment of contact between the barb 485 and the main wire 415; also the adjustable resistance 418 is set from time to time by the operator to give the correct potential difference in the condensers 493 to 499 inclusive for obtaining the best weld. The reactance 48! is connected in series with the welding circuit to prevent too large a surge of current and drain the condensers 493 to 499 inclusive at the moment that the barb 485 makes contact with the main wire 475 that causes the metal to sputter; instead the reactance causes the condensers to discharge more slowly to prolong the life of the charge and dissipate the electric current into the welding heat needed, even though the prolongation is as short as one-thousandth (.001) second in time. The switch 416 is operated mechanically by the welding machine or equipment, being closed for only a moment to charge the condensers 493 to 499 inclusive when the barb 485 is at the rear position, thereafter it remains open as shown. At the start of the welding machine or equipment operating cycle the barb 4851s atits rear position, then the cycle starts by momentarily closing switch 416 and immediately opening it to fully charge the condensers 493 to 499 inclusive, then by advancing the barb 485 so rapidly that it produces a percussive and forging effect as it strikes the main wire 415 backed up by the anvil 413 to form a weld by dissipating the energy of the complete electric charge in the condensers 493 to 499 inclusive into heat which is concentrated at the junction of the barb 485 and the main wire 415. By this method of percussive electric welding, the weld is made so quickly that the heat of the weld is conducted into the barb 485 and the main wire 415 after the weld is fully formed without causing much destruction of the patenting effect in the wire. It is obvious that the number of 'coulombs or quantity of electric current dissipated into heat to produce the weld is determined by the size or cross-sectional area of the barb 485. This indirect method of applying the electric current to the weld through the condensers 493 to 499 inclusive permits voltages as high as threehundred (300 volts to be used in welding which speeds up the welding cycle and makes high production in manufacturing possible; whereas by the direct methods of applying the electric current to the weld, voltages over sixty (50) volts are seldom used, which requires a longer welding cycle with less production in manufacturing.

In Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, barbs 48! and 485 respectively can be any barb shown or described herein.

In Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, the other movements of the welding machine or equipment cycle are not described because the machine and equipment are not shown, nor is any attempt made to describe them, which can be designed into many models and types that will embody the said percussive electric welding methods.

In Fig. 11 where several single point barbs are in clusters, it is obvious that this style could be classified in the trade as 6 point barbed wire.

In Fig. l to Fig. 17 inclusive the main wires and the barbs are all described as made of steel, however the can be made from any suitable metal or alloy to satisfy the commercial trade. It can be made of steel and galvanized (zinc coated) as the present barbed wire is made; or made with stainless rust resisting steel; or made with Monel metal; or made with steel having one to two per cent (1 to 2%) aluminum which can be given a nitride treatment to prolong the life of a barbed wire fence which is exposed to acid fumes or other severe atmospheric conditions.

The styles of staggering the barbs as shown herein are those most likely to be used, however they can be arranged to any convenient system to satisfy the trade without departing from the embodiments of thi invention.

In the manufacture of this single strand barbed wire in some cases it may be convenient to weld all of the barbs in a single line as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 8, which can be later twisted to stagger the barbs to appear in many styles such as Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. Also instead of welding each barb at a time to the main wire, any number of barbs may be welded simultaneously to the main wire.

In Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, the parts which are described as being made of copper can be made from any suitable metal or alloy; beryllium copper bemetal spot welding; by eliminating the condensers and switches 493 to 506 inclusive respectively, resistance 418, reactanee 48 l, and replacing them with a low voltage (alternating current) transformer having the primary circuit controlled by switch 416 and the secondary circuit connected to ground 410 and wire 482; then to weld the barb 485 to the main wire 415, switch 416 is closed for a short time only when the barb 485 and wire 415 are slowly pressed together until the welding heat of the metal developes at the junction to cause fusion. This method of welding would be very slow compared to the percussive electric welding method, especially the method as now shown in Fig. 19 which uses the condensers 493 to 499 inclusive.

In Fig. 18, two (2) welding rods 466 and 461 are shown, and in some cases it is necessary to use only one welding rod to accomplish the desired results, therefore one is eliminated. The welding rods 466 and 461 can be plain steel wire, steel copper plated wire, carbon rods, or any other suitable rod of welding electrode material.

In Fig. 13 to Fig. 17 inclusive, the bias cut ends or the weld ends of the barbs can be rotated to any suitable angle in relation to the point end; likewise for any other barb the relation between the weld end and the point end of the barb can be made to any suitable form.

In the manufacture of barbed wire to satisfy the commercial trade, it is usually wound on reels in eighty (80) rod lengths and the barbs or clusters of barbs are spaced at four or five inch (4" or 5") centers. When it is necessary to provide for extra expansion and stretching qualities of this single strand barbed wire described herein, it can be easily accomplished in manufacturing by forming a slight crimp in the main wire half way between the barbs or barb clusters; however for most farm fencing it is not needed because the sag in the wire between posts automatically takes care of it.

In the description of the single strand barbed wire shown herein, it is obvious that the sequence of manufacturing operations can be changed without altering the finished barbed wire; also some of the barbs can be substituted for other barbs shown or described herein to make many variations in these styles of barbed wires; therefore a further object of this invention is that each part or each feature of that part which can be used with another part or feature shown or described herein shall be an improvement of this invention.

I am aware that prior to this invention, barbed wire of the single strand wire style with wrapped on barbs have been manufactured and marketed, and also welded on barbs have been made with more or less degree of success; however none of those previously made barbed wires embodied the features of this invention which are, the novel positions of the barbs on the main single strand wire, the design in detail of the individual barbs, and the percussive electric welding method of attaching those barbs to said main wire.

In view of the drawings and preceding description, it is obvious that the improvements of this invention can be used to make many more styles of barbed wire other than those shown or described herein; therefore in anticipation of the manufacture of such barbed wire, it is a further object of this invention to extend the claims to include any barbed wire or fencing which uses one or more of the improvements shown, described or claimed herein.

iii

I claim:

l. A single strand barbed wire, having, a main single strand wire, short lengths of wire for barbs, said barbs welded tangentially to said main wire, said barbs having bias cut ends, one bias cut end of said barbs forming points for said barbed wire, the other bias cut end of said barbs welded to said main wire, said barbs being oil-set enough from the center of said main wire to form tangents between the outer surfaces of said main wire and one edge of said barbs, said barbs spaced at intervals along said main wire.

2. A single strand barbed wire, having, a main single strand wire, short lengths or wire for barbs, said barbs welded radially to said main wire, said barbs having a chisel cut end and a curled out V groove end, said chisel cut end of said barbs forming points for said barbed wire, said curled V groove end of said barbs Welded to said main wire, said barbs having their axes approximately centered on said main wire, said barbs spaced at intervals along said main wire.

3. A barbed wire comprising a single strand main wire, barbs welded to said main wire, said barbs being short lengths of wire, said barbs having at least one bias cut end, said barbs having the opposite end from said bias cut end formed into points for said barbed wire, said bias cut end of said barbs welded tangentially to said main wire.

4. A barbed wire comprising a single strand main wire, barbs welded to said main wire, said barbs being short lengths of wire, said barbs having at least one groove cut end, said barbs having the opposite end from said groove cut end formed into points for said barbed wire, said groove cut end of said barbs welded radially to said main wire.

5. An article of manufacture, a barbed wire comprising, a single strand main wire, barbs welded to said main wire, said barbs being short lengths of wire with bias cut ends, one bias cut end of said barbs forming points for said barbed wire, the other bias cut end of said barbs percussive electric welded tangentially to said main wire, said barbs spaced at intervals along said main wire.

6. An article of manufacture, a barbed wire comprising, a single strand main wire, barbs welded to said main wire, said barbs being short lengths of wire, one end of said barbs formed into points for said barbed wire, the other end of said barbs percussive electric welded radially to said main wire, said barbs spaced at intervals along said main wire.

HAROLD SWANSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent.

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 463,487 Coffin Nov. 17, 1891 1,066,468 Chubb July 8, 1913 1,468,218 Storey Sept. 18, 1923 2,271,314 Southwell Jan. 27, 1942 2,308,905 Abbott Jan. 19, 1943 2,337,294 Cooper Dec. 21, 1943 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 16,808 Great Britain Oct-24, 1889 

